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Sharing the bed with your pet can be a positive experience, but the environment and conditions (like your dog snoring and cycling in their sleep) may not be the best in supporting your pet’s joints nor your slumber!
March is Sleep Awareness Month and STAN (Safe – Therapeutic – Australian - Non-toxic) Pet Beds, the world’s first patented therapeutic, non-toxic bed for animals, is on a mission to give our four-legged friends the benefits of a safe, healthy snooze and pawrents a peaceful night’s sleep!
Studies show good quality sleep strengthens the immune system, supports recovery from injury and illness, and assists memory and brain function. Poor sleep, on the other hand, can lead to a host of health issues, such as restlessness, increased stress and anxiety, change in appetite and more.
“As with humans, good sleep hygiene is also important for the health and wellbeing of our furry friends,” says Michelle Cummins, founder of Australian-made STAN Pet Beds, the world’s first pet bed patented as a therapeutic and post-op recovery tool.
Cummins has been studying canine sleep and natural health for more than 12 years, working with holistic animal practitioners and expanding her learnings in nutrition, toxicity and stress. She is also pursuing an international qualification in zoopharmacognacy, the study of animals self-selecting medicine in the wild.
Cummins explains that our pets can have poor sleep for many reasons, such as stress and anxiety, pain and discomfort, digestive issues, illness, ageing and cognitive issues, and environmental factors (noise, temperature, bedding quality).
“While there are many factors that contribute to the quality of sleep our pets experience, what they sleep on has the most immediate impact,” she says.
How can we help our dogs sleep better and safer?
Cummins shares the following holistic strategies to help dogs sleep better:
✔️ Diet: Feed your pet a species-appropriate diet that supports their individual energy balance and digestive health.
✔️ Lifestyle adjustments: Establish a consistent daily routine that aligns with natural circadian rhythms. This includes exposure to natural light, exercise and sleep schedules.
✔️ Exercise: Engage your dog in regular exercise to help expend energy but avoid overstimulation close to bedtime.
✔️ Behavioural Modification: Address any behavioural issues that may disrupt sleep, such as separation anxiety or fear-based reactions, through positive reinforcement training.
✔️ Environmental Factors: Create a calm sleep environment for your dog. Ensure the sleeping area is comfortable, free from disruptions and maintained at an appropriate temperature. Provide bedding made with natural fibres, such as linen, organic cotton or hemp, is free of sleep disrupting toxins/chemicals and supports your individual pet’s needs.
✔️ Light Control: Limit exposure to artificial light, especially in the evening, as it can disrupt sleep patterns. Natural light during the day is beneficial.
✔️ Aromatherapy: Certain essential oils (when used safely and under guidance) can promote relaxation. Lavender, chamomile or frankincense oils may be diffused in the dog’s sleeping area.
✔️ Natural therapies: Consider natural therapies that can promote good sleep hygiene, such herbal remedies, acupuncture, acupressure and massage.
✔️ Mindful Interaction: Spend quality time with your pet, offering emotional support and companionship to reduce feelings of loneliness or anxiety.
✔️ Regular Check-Ups: Schedule regular check-ups with your holistic vet to identify and address any issues before they lead to sleep disturbances.
* With supporting advice from Queensland holistic veterinarian Dr Kaori Kanemitsu.
Mission to promote wellbeing with non-toxic bedding
Following a personal experience with poor pet sleep, Cummins wants to help give pets a good night’s sleep for the benefit of their physical and mental health, wellbeing and behavioural balance.
Cummins developed the STAN Pet Bed product (previously Henry Hottie Bed) in 2012 for her beloved Tonkinese cat, Henry, who suffered from detrimental health issues. She saw how the bed provided Henry all round support in winter and summer, promoted healing and helped to improve his well-being and happiness.
Cummins guarantees the absence of toxic chemicals in STAN Pet Beds that are found in nearly all pet foam bedding.
“A STAN Pet Bed is designed to support deeper sleep [REM or Rapid Eye Movement, stage of sleep when most dreams happen], which is essential for physical restoration, brain function and emotional wellbeing.
“From the cushioning of the body by the dual layers within the mattress to the absence of neurotoxic, sleep disrupting chemicals, a STAN Pet Bed allows the body to fully relax and repair during periods of REM. The species-appropriate temperature achieved in the various sizes will either assist the body to warm down post-activity or support thermoregulation in older pets.”
“While there are many factors that contribute to the quality of sleep our pets experience, what they sleep on has the most immediate impact,” she says.
How can we help our dogs sleep better and safer?
Cummins shares the following holistic strategies to help dogs sleep better:
✔️ Diet: Feed your pet a species-appropriate diet that supports their individual energy balance and digestive health.
✔️ Lifestyle adjustments: Establish a consistent daily routine that aligns with natural circadian rhythms. This includes exposure to natural light, exercise and sleep schedules.
✔️ Exercise: Engage your dog in regular exercise to help expend energy but avoid overstimulation close to bedtime.
✔️ Behavioural Modification: Address any behavioural issues that may disrupt sleep, such as separation anxiety or fear-based reactions, through positive reinforcement training.
✔️ Light Control: Limit exposure to artificial light, especially in the evening, as it can disrupt sleep patterns. Natural light during the day is beneficial.
✔️ Aromatherapy: Certain essential oils (when used safely and under guidance) can promote relaxation. Lavender, chamomile or frankincense oils may be diffused in the dog’s sleeping area.
✔️ Natural therapies: Consider natural therapies that can promote good sleep hygiene, such herbal remedies, acupuncture, acupressure and massage.
✔️ Mindful Interaction: Spend quality time with your pet, offering emotional support and companionship to reduce feelings of loneliness or anxiety.
✔️ Regular Check-Ups: Schedule regular check-ups with your holistic vet to identify and address any issues before they lead to sleep disturbances.
* With supporting advice from Queensland holistic veterinarian Dr Kaori Kanemitsu.
Mission to promote wellbeing with non-toxic bedding
Following a personal experience with poor pet sleep, Cummins wants to help give pets a good night’s sleep for the benefit of their physical and mental health, wellbeing and behavioural balance.
Cummins developed the STAN Pet Bed product (previously Henry Hottie Bed) in 2012 for her beloved Tonkinese cat, Henry, who suffered from detrimental health issues. She saw how the bed provided Henry all round support in winter and summer, promoted healing and helped to improve his well-being and happiness.
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| SAHA Horse Rescue - STAN Pet Bed helped relieve a foal's pressure sores |
After years of research and testing, STAN Pet Beds became patented in 2019 and today, the range caters to dogs of all breeds and sizes, designed for all life stages and is even used by horses! STAN Pet Beds will also relaunch cat beds with a new design.
Cummins guarantees the absence of toxic chemicals in STAN Pet Beds that are found in nearly all pet foam bedding.
“In an unregulated and over-saturated market of pet bedding, STAN Pet Beds stands alone in both benefit and safety for pets,” she says.
“From the cushioning of the body by the dual layers within the mattress to the absence of neurotoxic, sleep disrupting chemicals, a STAN Pet Bed allows the body to fully relax and repair during periods of REM. The species-appropriate temperature achieved in the various sizes will either assist the body to warm down post-activity or support thermoregulation in older pets.”
PIA Pet Insurance’s policy administrator and underwriter, PetSure, has had numerous claims for pet “bedding” ingestions over the last two years (2022-23), including blankets, electric blankets, sheets, mattresses, and pillows!
“On average, when pets chomping into bedding goes wrong, it costs a pet parent in the order of $500-$1,000 for a trip to the vet for treatment,” she says. “However, vet bills for bedding ingestions in excess of $1,000 are not uncommon, and one as recently as 2022, for ingesting part of a pillow, was in excess of $8,000.” Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia says.
Bob and Bella's Case Study
“On average, when pets chomping into bedding goes wrong, it costs a pet parent in the order of $500-$1,000 for a trip to the vet for treatment,” she says. “However, vet bills for bedding ingestions in excess of $1,000 are not uncommon, and one as recently as 2022, for ingesting part of a pillow, was in excess of $8,000.” Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia says.
Bob and Bella's Case Study
Alicia Anderson has two Bullmastiffs, 5 year-old Bob and 7 year-old Bella who sadly suffers from severe arthritis in her hock and other health issues, which involved a large operation and has taken a toll on her.
Bella had broken sleep, “she would get up a lot, move around to other beds/carpets in the house trying to get comfortable. At night she would come into my bedroom and sleep next to the bed instead of staying on her bed,” says Alicia.
Bob and Bella are on good quality joint support supplements. However, arthritis injections for Bella didn’t seem to help.
“I started researching for beds that would give them support and found STAN Pet Beds to give them more comfort as they were getting older,” says Alicia.
“Bella is now nowhere near as stiff when she gets up in the morning. She also seeks out the STAN bed to sleep on, even if I’m not in the same room (she likes to be where I am). She stays on her bed all night without coming into my room.”
Casper's Story
“He can run like a racehorse!” laughs owner Ayala Roozendaal. “Casper also loves the beach and swimming and socialising with other dogs and people. He’s so good-natured!”
Casper likes to “play hard and then relax and sleep” with a habit of sprawling across Ayala’s king-sized bed and allowing for a restful night’s sleep!
Ayala is a qualified Canine Myofunctional Therapist (specialised remedial message therapy) and understands the benefits of supporting Casper’s young and agile body with a good bed and providing him with a restful sleep.
“I know how important the right supportive bed is for (particularly senior) dogs with joint problems and dogs recovering from orthopaedic surgery,” she said. “It is important to me that my dog has a bed that is supportive of his joints and provides a restful sleep that allows the muscles and tissues to renew and repair. I also know that the quality of the sleep is just as important and makes for a calmer and happier dog.”
Safety - using organic, non-toxic materials in bedding – is also crucial for Ayala.
“I am aware of toxicity in so many pet beds out there and don’t want my dog to be breathing in chemicals as he sleeps nor develop any skin issues from what he is laying on. Having done my own research, I want Casper to sleep on natural fibres, like linen, organic cotton or hemp, like STAN Pet Beds.”
Plus, Casper seems to prefer the comfort and temperature of his STAN Pet Bed more than Ayala’s bed!
“It’s a good thing – more space for me!” she laughs. “I know my bed is comfortable, but on a hot day I’ve seen Casper choose to lay in his STAN bed after briefly testing mine out. In fact, it was so noticeable to me that I messaged Michelle (STAN Pet Beds) to let her know that I could see for myself that the bed was providing a species appropriate temperature. We now have four STAN Pet Beds at home plus the travel bed. He likes to be wherever the family is, so whatever part of the house we are in he has somewhere to snooze.”
About STAN Pet Beds
Bella had broken sleep, “she would get up a lot, move around to other beds/carpets in the house trying to get comfortable. At night she would come into my bedroom and sleep next to the bed instead of staying on her bed,” says Alicia.
Bob and Bella are on good quality joint support supplements. However, arthritis injections for Bella didn’t seem to help.
“I started researching for beds that would give them support and found STAN Pet Beds to give them more comfort as they were getting older,” says Alicia.
“Bella is now nowhere near as stiff when she gets up in the morning. She also seeks out the STAN bed to sleep on, even if I’m not in the same room (she likes to be where I am). She stays on her bed all night without coming into my room.”
Casper's Story
Casper is a young and very active pooch, always on the go and full of energy!
“He can run like a racehorse!” laughs owner Ayala Roozendaal. “Casper also loves the beach and swimming and socialising with other dogs and people. He’s so good-natured!”
Casper likes to “play hard and then relax and sleep” with a habit of sprawling across Ayala’s king-sized bed and allowing for a restful night’s sleep!
Ayala is a qualified Canine Myofunctional Therapist (specialised remedial message therapy) and understands the benefits of supporting Casper’s young and agile body with a good bed and providing him with a restful sleep.
“I know how important the right supportive bed is for (particularly senior) dogs with joint problems and dogs recovering from orthopaedic surgery,” she said. “It is important to me that my dog has a bed that is supportive of his joints and provides a restful sleep that allows the muscles and tissues to renew and repair. I also know that the quality of the sleep is just as important and makes for a calmer and happier dog.”
Safety - using organic, non-toxic materials in bedding – is also crucial for Ayala.
“I am aware of toxicity in so many pet beds out there and don’t want my dog to be breathing in chemicals as he sleeps nor develop any skin issues from what he is laying on. Having done my own research, I want Casper to sleep on natural fibres, like linen, organic cotton or hemp, like STAN Pet Beds.”
Plus, Casper seems to prefer the comfort and temperature of his STAN Pet Bed more than Ayala’s bed!
“It’s a good thing – more space for me!” she laughs. “I know my bed is comfortable, but on a hot day I’ve seen Casper choose to lay in his STAN bed after briefly testing mine out. In fact, it was so noticeable to me that I messaged Michelle (STAN Pet Beds) to let her know that I could see for myself that the bed was providing a species appropriate temperature. We now have four STAN Pet Beds at home plus the travel bed. He likes to be wherever the family is, so whatever part of the house we are in he has somewhere to snooze.”
About STAN Pet Beds
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| Michelle Cummins with her dogs Stanley (left) and Alice (right) |
STAN Pet Beds are designed to improve the quality of sleep for your animal. The specific densities of each range of beds, the carefully selected natural organic fabrics for the outer covers, and the guaranteed absence of toxic chemicals (found in nearly all pet foam bedding), have created the bed your pet needs.
Quality sleep sets the foundation for their level of cognitive health (thinking/decision making capacity), physical recovery from activity, illness or injury, and their overall ability to cope with life in a human world. Learn more at stanpetbeds.com.au
Quality sleep sets the foundation for their level of cognitive health (thinking/decision making capacity), physical recovery from activity, illness or injury, and their overall ability to cope with life in a human world. Learn more at stanpetbeds.com.au
Find STAN Pet Beds on Facebook www.facebook.com/STANpetbeds
and @stanpetbedsau on Instagram.
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